We have a variety of fun new events in our “Discover Hedgerows” series, including tours, workshops, another webinar, and planting opportunities, all in collaboration with Thurston Conservation District!

This installation will focus on different stock types and a different planting strategy to build a wider hedgerow buffer than we’ve demonstrated previously in this series. The host for this project is Independence Valley Farm in Rochester, WA, and we’ll be planting for multiple on-farm and ecological benefits! Together, we aim to put over 500 plants in the ground!

March 21st: Field Day Workshop – Prep Day at Independence Valley Farm (9:30AM to 1:30PM)
This is a hands-on day of preparation for our main hedgerow installation on March 22nd! We will be organizing & laying out plants, prepping supplies, and training teachers for the main planting workshop.
Note: this event is not the main planting day and requires separate registration at this link.

March 22nd: Hands-on Hedgerow Workshop & Installation Day at Independence Valley Farm (9:30AM to 3PM)
This is a hands-on planting opportunity for volunteers ready to get their hands dirty–or just to observe and learn. Workshop topics include: pros & cons of narrow vs. wider hedgerows, the pros & cons of different stock types and sizes, plant selection for multiple growing conditions, & more!
Learn more and sign up here.

April 26th: Demonstration Workshop – Native Seeding with a No-Till Drill (10AM-1:30PM)

Join us for an up-close look at the ecological and economic advantages of using no-till drill equipment, as we install an herbaceous add-on block to the woody hedgerow planted on March 22. You’ll learn how to use Thurston Conservation District’s no-till drill for native seeding and have all your questions answered by the expert team at TCD! Plus, we’ll discuss the role of native seeds in hedgerow and other conservation plantings. Hosted by Independence Valley Farm, Rochester.

This piece of equipment is available for Thurston County community members to rent.

May 18th: Hedgerow Irrigation Hands-on Workshop & Installation Demo at Piece by Piece Farm (10AM-1:30PM)
Join us to learn the pros and cons of different hedgerow irrigation options and gain direct experience with installing a system for the recently planted hedgerow at Piece by Piece Farm in Rochester. 

May 22nd: Discover Hedgerows Webinar Series: “Ensuring Success: Monitoring, Maintaining, & Adapting Your Future Hedgerow.” (6:30-8PM)
Join us for the 4th webinar in our series, where we discuss the steps you need to take to plan for successfully sustaining your hedgerow over time, including key planning steps to reduce maintenance burdens and how to plan for growth and change.

May 27th: Hedgerow SuccessTour at Helsing Junction Farms (6:30-8PM)
This hedgerow was installed in November 2023 to enhance crop production at this Rochester farm. Come see how it is developing and learn about how its initial design is expected to meet the farmers’ goals; the budget/costs, required farmers’ time, and grants that supported the initial installation; irrigation system pros & cons; plant survival rates; and lessons learned so far!

June 3rd: Hedgerow Success Tour at Oyster Bay Farm (6:30-8PM)
This hedgerow was installed in March 2024 to protect water quality & enhance wildlife habitat at this Northwest Thurston County farm. Come see how it is developing and learn about how its initial design is expected to meet the farmers’ goals; the budget/costs, required farmers’ time, and grants that supported the initial installation; irrigation system pros & cons; plant survival rates; and lessons learned so far!

You can use this form to sign up for any or all of these events!

Please note that March 21st and 22nd require separate registration at the links listed with their descriptions. 

All events are listed on the NPSF Calendar as well as the WSU Extension Hedgerows website. Signing up for an event is the best way to stay in the loop, even if you are unsure if you can fully commit!